How to Customize Jetson Orin Nano Image

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing challenges while attempting to customize the Jetson Orin Nano image, particularly in modifying the Linux_for_Tegra folder within JetPack 5.1.2. The main symptoms include:

• Auto-login setup: Users want to bypass the login screen.
• GUI modifications: Users aim to remove the default GUI and replace it with a custom one on boot.
• Package management: There is a need to add or remove specific software packages.
• Boot time reduction: Users are looking for ways to minimize startup duration.
• Custom application execution: Users want their applications to run automatically upon boot.

The issues typically arise during the setup phase, specifically when users attempt to flash the SD card with their customized images. The problem’s frequency varies, but it significantly impacts user experience by preventing desired configurations and functionalities.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for these issues have been identified:

• Hardware incompatibilities: Some users may not have compatible hardware or may be using outdated components.
• Software bugs or conflicts: Errors in the JetPack version or conflicts between installed packages can lead to customization failures.
• Configuration errors: Incorrect settings in scripts or configuration files can hinder the customization process.
• Driver issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent proper functionality of modified images.
• Environmental factors: Power supply issues or overheating can affect performance and customization success.
• User errors: Misconfigurations during the setup process can lead to complications.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issues with customizing the Jetson Orin Nano image, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Run User Creation Script:

   • Execute the command with the -a option:

     sudo ./l4t_create_default_user.sh -a
     

   • This script helps in setting up a default user without requiring a login screen.

2. Customize Root Filesystem:

   • Modify the root filesystem as needed. Documentation on this can be found here.

3. Flashing the SD Card:

   • To flash your customized image onto an SD card, follow these steps:
     • Ensure you have the correct JetPack version downloaded.
     • Use Balena Etcher or similar software to write the image to your SD card:

       sudo dd if=<path_to_image> of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
       

     • Replace <path_to_image> with your image file and /dev/sdX with your SD card device identifier.

4. System Service for Custom Applications:

   • Create a systemd service to run your application at startup:

     sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/myapp.service
     

   • Add the following content:

     [Unit]
     Description=My Custom Application
     
     [Service]
     ExecStart=/path/to/your/application
     
     [Install]
     WantedBy=multi-user.target
     

   • Enable the service:

     sudo systemctl enable myapp.service
     

5. Documentation Links:

   • For detailed guidance on flashing support, refer to NVIDIA’s Developer Guide.

6. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack and check for firmware updates before starting customization.
   • Regularly back up your configurations and images to avoid data loss during modifications.

7. Unresolved Issues:

   • Some users reported difficulties in flashing changes without direct access to the Orin Nano board, indicating a need for further investigation into remote flashing solutions.

By following these steps, users can effectively troubleshoot and customize their Jetson Orin Nano images according to their specific requirements, enhancing their development experience.